Medina County fairgoers brought home $16,000 in unclaimed funds

More than $16,000 in unclaimed funds were collected at the Medina County Fair this year.

County Treasurer John Burke said it never fails: Every year, fairgoers find their unclaimed funds.

“We can search by just a last name for unclaimed funds and print the form to send to the state,” Burke said. “My staff has been trained on the paperwork and expediting the process, so we may get monies refunded as quickly as possible.”

Unclaimed funds are deposits and checks that haven’t been cashed for five or more years. Forgotten savings, checking accounts, utility deposits, stock dividends and safe deposit contents most commonly are unclaimed.

At the fair this year, 103 claims were discovered. Some people found they had more than one claim.

In the coming months, the treasurer’s office will host unclaimed funds displays throughout Medina County in libraries, recreational centers and grocery stores.